Frequently Asked Questions

A replacement window is a window that is installed in an existing window opening as a replacement to the existing window. Over time, old windows deteriorate, becoming inefficient and drafty. Replacement windows exist so you can change the window without having to remove all of the existing trim.

​Low-E is a glass coating which light can pass through freely. When added to the glass surfaces of windows & doors, Low-E provides greater energy efficiency, increased comfort and protection from the damage of UV rays. Low-E also reduces a window’s U-Value and increases its R-Value.​

Our window installers have years of experience and are factory trained to insure quick & successful installations. Most of our window installations can be completed in a day since all of our windows are custom measured and sized in the field. This speeds up the installation, eliminating errors which cause delays. If an installation takes longer it could be due to weather conditions or the volume of windows that need to be installed.

There is not set price of the cost of replacement windows. You must take into account the number of windows replaced, their size, what style of window & which type of window. Are they premium energy star rated, do they have special energy efficient glass coating? All these factors account for the cost of new replacement windows and their installation and the benefits they provide long term.

Energy Star is part of the United States government program that created guidelines to establish the energy efficiency of various products including windows & doors. It should be noted that over the past years Energy Star directions have helped double the efficiency of windows that meet their standards.

Many old windows are single pane, today replacement windows come in double or triple pane glass with Low-E glass coatings. The addition of glass panes provide a greater barrier to ensure a windows efficiency. An efficient window uses less energy which lowers energy bills.

Glazing options maximize a windows energy efficiency, they can also reduce outside noise and the damaging effect of UV Rays. Options range from the single-glazed glass found in historic homes, to double or triple insulated glass with Low-E coatings & argon gas filled insulated airspace for excellent energy efficiency

Grilles on windows form a decorative pattern on a window or door by dividing the glass into smaller panes which form a design.

It is important when selecting a window or door to look for information that lists the products U-value & R-value. U-values illustrate the amount of heat that escapes through a wall, window or roof. You want to look for windows that have a low U-value because it means they are more energy efficient. R-values are the direct opposite, they portray an objects resistance to the ability for heat to flow. In essence the higher a materials R-value, the lower its U-value which means it loses less energy. R-values actually depend on the number of layers of glass a window has, what type of gas is between the glass layers and whether they have been treated with a Low-E coating.

When choosing a window contractor make sure they are licensed & bonded. Check out the professional organizations them below too. How long have they been in business & what type of training have their installers gone through. Get references and check them out. Quite simply make sure they are professional, do they show up on time for appointments, are they respectful of your home, do they give you a written proposal and never give them money up front. Also, check for complaints from the BBB or your county consumer protection.

These are windows with glass that has been strengthened so when it is struck with a forceful object like a tree branch the glass will resist shattering. Impact resistant glass is recommended for homeowners who live in coastal areas prone to strong storms & hurricanes or live by a golf course. Though some people chose impact resistant glass for sound reduction if they live on heavily trafficked communities or for the extra security they provide.

When selecting a roofing contractor, make sure they are licensed & bonded. Experience matters. Find out how long they have been in business and what type of credentials they carry. Ask for referrals and check out their reviews. If you are asked for the payment of a job up front that is a glaring red flag to avoid doing business with the company.

A leak is the first sign your roof is not protecting your home. Water stains on your walls, peeling or blistering paint or a damp musty smell are other factors that indicate your roof is not protecting your home. If you notice that your roof shingles are cracked or you have missing shingles this is another sign your roof needs to be replaced and last but not least if your heating and air condition bills are unusually high this is another sign you need a new roof.

The price of a new roof depends on the size, style and shingles that you select. What type of underlayment is used, are you putting in ice and water protection, are you installing a ridge vent? What type of flashing and roof stacks are used? What size gutters and downspouts are installed and will you use a form of leaf relief? All these factors come into play when pricing a roof but expense should not be thought of in total cost, but how long a roof will last before you have to replace it. Will it protect your home from the fury of mother nature and the damage she can bring, will your heating & air conditioning bills be lower and more energy efficient and lastly how much value does a new roof increase the worth of your home.

Asphalt and or fiberglass shingles are very popular, they come in a wide variety of colors designs that are affordable and durable. Syndetic Slate which is made of a composition of materials offers the look of slate while at a lower cost. Cedar Shake is another shingle style that conveys a more natural look with the richness of wood. Roofing tiles are very popular in the southwest. Metal roofs are another very popular style roofing and they can also be made to look like wood shake, clay tiles and roofing shingles.

The roof edge from the fascia to the structure’s outside wall. In general terms, the first three feet across a roof is termed the eave.

A dormer is a raised roof extending out of a larger roof plane.

A gable roof is a traditional roof style; two peaked roof planes meeting at a ridge line of equal size.

A hip roof is a roof with four roof planes coming together at a peak and four separate hip legs.

Generally speaking steep slope roof means all slopes are higher than 4/12 are considered steep slopes.

A drip edge is an installed lip that keeps shingles up off the deck at edges and extends shingles out over eaves and gutters

An ice dam occurs when a snow load melts on a roof and re-freezes by the eaves. Ice dams force water to back up under the roof shingles and great harm in the form of water leakage.

Underlayments are usually asphalt-based rolled materials designs to be installed under the main roofing material to provide additional protection.

Roof valleys are created with two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof creating a “v” shaped depression.

Attic ventilation is key. It is important that your roof breathe so moisture cannot develop and in turn create an environment conducive for mold growth. The installation of a ridge vent prevents moisture from accumulating.

The national roofing contractors association recommends galvanized steel or the equivalent corrosion-resistant roof nails for asphalt single installation. It is also good to know what the shingle manufacturer recommends.

You should remove as much snow as possible, but call a professional roofing contractor if your roof is steep, the snow is deep or the ice is thick. It is not recommended using ice picks or shovels because there is a chance you could damage the roof shingles and the flashing.

Yes, and it is more probable in roofs with lower slopes, especially in valleys and on the upslope from curbs, chimneys and penetrations.

If you notice water is spilling over your gutters, or you see water running down the fascia or out of the soffit or you have foundation erosion these are red flags that your gutters aren’t performing. Another indication your gutters aren’t performing is if you have water damage inside your home

It is important to have the correct size and number of downspouts that facilitate the flow of water. Leaves and debris blow into gutters or pest make themselves home in gutters. That is why we recommend installing some form gutter protection so your gutters are clean preventing water damage.

Yes, downspout size and number of downspouts are important. Having the correct size of downspouts and gutters means you will be able to direct water the way you need. A gutter protection system allows water to flow freely and allows debris to slip away and not cause any blockages.